Stay safe this rainy season with Bosch

Wiper blades very rarely get checked but they are something that could make the difference between getting home safe and being in an accident while travelling in rain.

Stay safe this rainy season: check your wipers

Wiper blades. It's something we very frequently forget to check on our vehicles - in fact, you might not realise there's a problem unless you actually need to use it. And it's something that could make the difference between getting home safe and being in an accident. Here are our handy tips on making sure that you stay safe while you travel during the rainy season.

Weather, roads and your car's wiper blades

When it comes to the lifespan of your wipers, it doesn't only come down to how frequently you use them. The rubber deteriorates over time, and our South African weather and road conditions lead to wiper blades not working effectively. From bending and warping, to dries and cracks, just the weather alone can determine whether your wipers will actually do their job.

As we head towards warmer days, cloudy skies, rain and hailstorms, test your wiper blades to see that they still work as they should or if you have to replace them.

Four signs your car's wiper blades are not helping you stay safe on the road  

Consider changing your wiper blades when you see:  

1. Streaking or large sections where water isn't removed from the windscreen.
2. The blades lifting from the windscreen, causing some parts of the windscreen not to get wiped at all.
3. Squeaking or chattering sounds from the wiper blades.
4. Vibrating and hopping wipers, leaving behind streaks.

Replacing your car's wiper blades

Maintaining and checking your car's wiper blades has to be part of your regular car checks, especially before you hit the road for a getaway or holiday

Do not use your car's windscreen wipers: 

• To clear mud and soil from the windscreen - it scratches the blades and glass.
• To remove ice from the windshield.

Do this to protect your car's windscreen wipers:

• Pull wiper blades away from the windshield during winter so that the blades do not get iced or stuck to the windshield.
• Use an ice scraper or the car's defroster to melt ice on the windscreen.
• Park your car undercover in extreme weather conditions.
• Clean your car's windscreen regularly - make it part of a routine every time you stop at a petrol station.
• Wipe the rubber part of the wiper blade gently with a damp towel to remove dirt or other build up.

Professionals can recommend the best type of wiper blades for your car and help when you need your windscreen wipers or its mechanics replaced. You can even keep an eye out for special offers. Vitality Drive members, get up to 20% discount at Bosch Service Centres.

So, stay aware that your car's wiper blades need care too. Do not wait until you can't see clearly in a storm.

Discovery Insure Ltd is an authorised financial services provider. Registration number 2009/011882/06. Limits, maximum fuel and Gautrain spend limits, terms and conditions apply. Go to www.discovery.co.za for more details or call 0860 751 751.